In Poltava, the SSU jointly with the National Police detained a provocateur who publicly insulted Ukrainian servicemen.

The offender is a local fitness trainer and an ardent supporter of kremlin narratives about the war in Ukraine.

An episode was documented, when in the city centre the suspect began to provoke and insult officials of the local military enlistment office.

During the incident, he falsely accused Ukrainian defenders of being guilty of unleashing russia’s war against Ukraine and ‘killing people for money’.

Moreover, the man spat at one of the servicemen – a soldier of the AFU who has returned from the frontline after suffering concussion and multiple injuries as a result of a mine explosion.

According to the investigation, the provocateur recorded his criminal actions on camera.

He then posted the video with his ‘comments’ on his Instagram page.

According to the SSU, in this way the suspect has repeatedly tried to discredit Ukrainian defenders fighting against russian occupiers.

The SSU is also checking if the offender’s provocative videos and posts were used by kremlin propagandists to spread new fakes about Ukraine.

After the last, most outrageous episode, the man tried to hide from prosecution. However, the law enforcement detained him.

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Poltava Office is working on the case jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Poltava District Prosecutor’s Office.